10 Things Nobody Tells You About Orchids

The allure of orchids has captivated people for centuries, with some enthusiasts declaring their love to be utterly maddening. As Susan Orlean observed in The Orchid Thief, this passion can be overwhelming. In the 1800s, Europeans’ fascination with these tropical hothouse flowers reached new heights, earning them the nickname ‘Orchidelirium.

‘ Today, thanks to advancements in tissue-cloning techniques, orchids are more accessible than ever before, with prices dropping significantly due to mass production. However, despite their increased availability, many people struggle to care for these delicate epiphytes at home. Orchids can be notoriously finicky or even enigmatic in their requirements, making them a challenging yet rewarding addition to any plant collection.

The easiest orchid to grow is a Phalaenopsis.

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are a beginner’s go-to option due to their ability to thrive in low-light conditions and moderate humidity levels. This makes them an ideal choice for those new to growing orchids. According to Susie Turner, an experienced orchid seller at Green Door Design in Mill Valley, California, Phalaenopsis orchids are also relatively easy to coax into re-blooming, making them a great choice for home hobbyists.

If you think it’s time to water your orchid, wait one more day.

Above: A photograph by Erin Boyle serves as a reminder of the importance of proper watering techniques when it comes to orchids. The American Orchid Society cautions that overwatering can be devastating for these delicate flowers, leading to their demise at a rate far greater than underwatering. To avoid this pitfall, the society recommends employing a simple yet effective method: the pencil trick.

By inserting the pointed tip of a sharpened pencil into the orchid’s medium, you’ll be able to determine if the plant has reached optimal moisture levels. If the pencil point darkens slightly, it’s likely that the orchid has enough water. Alternatively, you can rely on the tried-and-true ‘finger test.’ Simply place your finger into the medium, and if it feels damp or wet, then so is the orchid.

As a final precaution, the society suggests waiting an extra day before watering, to ensure that the plant’s needs are truly being met.

To get an orchid to re-bloom, trick it into thinking it’s in the tropics.

To revive a moth orchid that has stopped blooming, begin by removing the flower stalk from the plant, taking care to cut it off as close to the base as possible. Next, relocate your orchid to an area of your home where you can mimic its native tropical environment.

This involves creating a temperature fluctuation of at least 10 degrees daily, with cooler nights and warmer days, a condition that Mary Gerritsen, orchid enthusiast and author of A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and their Culture, recommends for successful blooming. For more guidance on coaxing your moth orchid back into bloom, read our comprehensive guide, How to Make An Orchid Bloom Again.

You probably don’t need to put your orchid in a bigger pot.

When it comes to orchids, a snug fit is often ideal. Before repotting your orchid, wait until its roots have fully extended through the pot’s holes and are freely dangling in mid-air. This rule has one notable exception: if you’ve acquired an orchid potted in moss, it’s essential to transfer it immediately into a well-suited orchid potting mix. For more guidance on repotting your orchid without causing harm, refer to our comprehensive guide, How to Repot an Orchid (Without Killing It).

Your orchid will not be any happier in a special Swiss-cheese pot.

The Swiss-cheese pots aim to mimic the natural habitats where Miltonia orchids thrive, such as on tree branches with aerial roots or rocky outcroppings. Roots of these epiphytic plants often grow into crevices, utilizing available moisture and nutrients. However, it’s not a requirement to replicate this environment exactly in order for your orchid to flourish. Providing good air circulation within a pot can be sufficient to meet the plant’s needs, making an open-air orchid pot unnecessary.

An orchid will not grow in soil.

In a unique twist, designer Rose Uniacke’s London conservatory is transformed into a lush oasis by the vibrant beauty of orchids. As featured in Among the Orchids: Designer Rose Uniacke at Home in London, this stunning space showcases the elegance of this tropical delight. Photographed by Matthew Williams. Interestingly, orchids are epiphytes that thrive on trees in their natural habitats rather than soil.

To replicate this environment, plant your orchids in a specially designed potting mix, typically comprising wood chips or bark. This will ensure they flourish and reach their full potential.

It’s not OK to use ice cubes on orchids.

In the past, we considered using ice cubes in orchid pots as a way to prevent over-watering. However, experts now warn against this practice. For instance, ice cubes are cold, which can harm tropical orchids that thrive in warmth. The Oregon Orchid Society offers valuable insight on this topic: ‘The ice cube idea aims to provide minimal water under suboptimal conditions.

While this may mimic the amount of water an orchid receives in a greenhouse setting, it’s not a sustainable solution for long-term care. To keep your orchid alive and thriving for years, regular watering with room-temperature water is essential. This should be done after repotting the orchid into a proper orchid mix and a well-draining pot to ensure optimal growing conditions.

An orchid’s flowers can last for many months.

For those interested in learning more about this stunning orchid, we recommend exploring our DIY feature, ‘A Hanging Orchid, Father’s Day Edition.’ The accompanying photograph, captured by Sylvia Moreno-Bunge, provides a captivating glimpse into the beauty of this unique plant.

There are more than 25,000 different species of orchids.

In the world of houseplants, one popular variety stands out for its unique beauty and ease of cultivation – orchids. From Lady’s Slipper Orchid to Oncidiums, pansy orchids, moth orchids, and Phalaenopsis crosses, these flowering plants are a favorite among indoor gardeners.

For inspiration on how to bring this stunning group into your home, check out our article Best Indoor Plants: 6 Flowering Orchids to Grow or dive deeper into the world of orchids with our comprehensive guide Orchids: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design.

In the 1800s, collectors paid thousands of dollars for a single orchid plant.